Chapter 9: Birth in The Cold Light

Inside the small Captain’s cabin of the Lifen’s bridge, Shira sat strapped in her chair. The hint of minor tremors could be felt as the ship flew through Palora’s skies. She was engaged with the current conference that was taking place. Sets of different comm links were established on her small desk projector, along with a digital projection feed of Admiral Thiago, Wio’kako, and Greater Adjunct Kas’ora standing and looking down upon a battle map table together. Additional voice-only feeds were also established with Admiral Hazer and Major General Tenoch.

“The Southern Shal’rein army is in full retreat,” Tenoch reported. “It’ll take them hours to retreat through the valley.”

“Good,” Thiago remarked. “That’s the last time I ever underestimate Master Sergeant Stone. Admiral Hazer, thank you for your support.”

“Anything to save our marines,” Hazer replied.

“How goes your fleet?”

“Two of our cruisers were disabled in the battle. Several other ships were damaged, including my flagship. Captain Brayan’s battleship has been critically damaged. We managed to get the nonessential crew evacuated from the disabled cruisers, but repairs are underway. That was good thinking, Admiral, in using the armored cruisers. Their reinforced armor was the only thing that saved a lot of them from being shot down. Shira was correct about how accurate their tank crews are. If those marines weren’t on the ground, we would’ve had to discontinue the bombardment.”

“Do not expect the southern army to give up either,” Shira commented. “They have retreated and will encircle around the entire mountain region.”

“I saw the reports,” Thiago replied. “After losing half their numbers, they would still continue?”

“Yes. At first glance, this may seem like a tactical victory, but it was still a draw, nonetheless. Regardless, you have managed to buy time for the next step of your operations.”

“After all that, and we only slowed them down ... at least it’ll take them 12 hours before they’ll reach the other cities. Let’s focus on the main part of the upcoming operation. Then we’ll deal with what’s left of the southern army. Tenoch, what’s the status of our northern and eastern ground forces?”

“Hmm,” Tenoch’s voice gruffed. “Could be better, could be worse. Thanks to the efforts in the recent defense at Pase del Diablo Delgado, our marines are at 85% operational readiness and growing. Batrice and Gillian managed to deploy their Silver Brigade to join the fight, including their best mobile railgun vehicles. I have one and a half divisions available up north and camps established at Sectors 7, 10, and 13, including 40% of Palora’s airforce ready to assault the Shal’rein army heading through the great Valle del Bosque del Norte.”

“Lesser Adjunct Wio’kako,” Thiago addressed her. “What about you?”

“We have 700 warriors available,” she replied. “Including 50 Jilk Interceptors, 70 Ui APCS, 50 Kui Railgun Destroyers, and 16 of the new Lato’Kerein tanks that will join your forces. Four of our Light Assault Carriers will also join up in your northern assault.”

“And, the Helera’kun?” Thiago looked over to the taller Shin’Fo’mil woman standing beside him.

“900 warriors...” Kas’Ora replied. “They will fight...”

“Any equipment?”

“A few tanks we brought with us ... some vehicles ... not enough. They will march into fight if they to, but, they will fight...”

“Good,” Thiago was firm with her. “Time to see you finally pull your weight into the fight.”

“Not good enough,” Shira replied with a calm, cold demeanor.

“Not good enough?” Tenoch remarked. “We hold more numbers than their Northern army. Are you going to say the same thing with the Eastern Army’s readiness as well?”

“Yes,” she explained. “You may have won a temporary victory at Pase del Diablo Delgado, but only for miscellaneous reasons. The cost was significant, whereupon many UHN warships suffered considerable damage going against a mere half of a division. The northern army alone consists of 2 divisions. They will not be grounded into a narrow pathway to be easily picked off by orbital bombardment. For example,...”

Shira tapped a few buttons and gestured to a schematic of a large ground carrier for the others to look at.

“Click Gotar Click Golareins,” Kas’ora sneered.

“You are forgetting,” Shira explained to all of them. “That the northern Shal’rein army consists of three of these carriers. They might not be the most powerful direct combat vehicles, but their ability to easily decimate enemy armies is still well noted.”

“Combat landships with the ability to refuel and rearm their aircraft,” Hazer added. “What about those siege tanks?”

“Based on your satellites’ data and army tracking movement arrangements, there appear to be over eleven Behe’tons, most likely of the Mark 4 variants, possibly more.”

“Damn ... they’ll be in the wide open.”

“And with the ability to obliterate any vehicles and warships that get within their range. You may hold an advantage in numbers, but the overall equipment in our possession will not be enough.”

“Kas’ora,” Thiago told her. “We need more.”

“Their effectiveness in battle will not be well as you hoped,” Shira added.

The Greater Adjunct looked around for a moment. Her tail almost slapped the ground in frustration.

“1,500...,” Kas’ora corrected herself. “The rest fight in the Eastern Army...”

“Good, Admiral Hazer, what about the UHN fleet?” Thiago remarked. “How much can you help out the Northern army?”

“I’ve assembled Fleet Theta,” Hazer explained. “Six armored cruisers, two patrol cruisers, and four battleships led by the UHN Herodotus, hopefully even my ship. They’ll provide naval support from orbit and attempt to bombard the Shal’rein northern army during the assault. I’ve supplied a shuttle squadron to also help Tenoch as well. But it’s as Shira says. With their ground forces in the open and in much larger numbers, any ships I send in only risk getting destroyed. The rest of the fleet assets are allocated to help the Eastern Army. I can’t risk sending anymore.”

Thiago looked at the map. The wide arrow moving from the north continued moving southeast. It was slow but ever-present. He seemed to be in deep thought.

“Shira,...” Thiago asked her. “What do you suggest?”

“Are you asking about the Northern Army or the Eastern Army?” she asked him.

“North ... that battle is two hours away, the other is three. It’s going to give Tenoch the precious time he needs to get everything else ready for the assault. What’s the status of the We’kal?”

“The tank has taken damage from the prior battle,” Shira commented. “However, it hasn’t affected its combat capabilities. Its ammunition stock is low but adequate...”

“The We’kal?” Kas’ora commented. “You talk about only one vehicle ... why?”

Thiago looked at her. “It played a big role in stopping the southern army from getting through that pass.”

“More specifically,” Shira explained. “To answer Kas’ora’s question. The We’kal is a Gober’hantra.”

Kas’ora paused, seemingly surprised, before she resituated herself. “ ... What? You have an Alara’jal tank? How?”

“Explaining it would take too long. However, it temporarily serves the UHN marines.”

The admiral looked at Shira. “ ... You think you can have it shipped to help fight in the northern assault?”

“ ... Yes...”

Thiago paused. “You seem hesitant on that...”

“Correct...”

“Why does it matter?” Tenoch replied. “If it helps the marines, then do it.”

“No...,” Thiago commented. “Shira’s concerned about the occupants. Doctor Tahir, the paleontologist, is controlling it. You feel that he can participate in another battle?”

“The vehicle is a vital asset. However, I believe that Tahir and his mates can perform one more battle.”

Thiago nodded. “ ... I understand,” he told her. “Your ship marines fought hard ... not a single casualty. Stone trained them well.” He took a deep breath. “But, I need to make sure to spare your marines from another fight. They’ve earned it. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include our civilians who are tied into this conflict. Can someone else pilot that tank?”

“It is an honor to control a Gober’hantra,” Kas’ora added. “Dishonorable to remove him...”

“Honor aside,” Shira replied. “An Alara’jal tank of its class chooses its pilot. The tank would not allow another to do so...”

“I see...,” Thiago remarked. “ ... Very well. Captain Shira, you’ll take the We’kal to Sector 10’s camp in one hour. Tell Tahir and his wives that Palora owes them a great debt.”

“I’ll make sure to tell him that, assuming he survives...”

“ ... Now then,” the admiral continued. “How do we stop two encroaching armies that are traveling in virtual flatland? Lesser Adjunct, are there any more reinforcements your people can spare in the next few hours?”

“I am given what is given,” Wio’kaku explained. “My Greater Adjuncts promise army reinforcements, but it will take 11 of your hours before they arrive.”

“It’s the same problem on our end,” Hazer added. “I have more reinforcements coming from Cebravis, but we need a day.”

“This is inexcusable!” Tenoch complained. “In the last year, we performed simulated planetary defense operations. The UHN could respond in less than 8 hours with four times the current force that we have. I can understand that was before Cipra thinned out our transportation capabilities, but what’s your excuse, Lesser Adjunct? Where’s the grand T’rintar response armies, huh? Did your higher castes decide to conveniently come up with some excuse to lie on paper when your ambassadors signed the yellow dotted line?”

There was a subtle hiss that came from Wio’kaku. Her feathers lightly raised before they lowered down again.

“Major General...,” Thiago tried to counter him.

“I doubt it would result in any significant changes, Tenoch,” Shira calmly commented. “While the T’rintar armies are adequate in repelling the Aksren ground forces, their forces cannot repel the might of a dedicated Shal’rein assault. Despite the recent setback at the southern pass, Greater Adjunct Lea’pre believes she has the numbers necessary to win the battle on Palora. Even now, both the T’rintar and Shal’rein orbital fleets have momentarily parlayed to save on munitions and conduct repairs. Lea’pre can summon additional forces, but she hasn’t done so, at least not yet. She is currently buying her time and waiting to see what will happen next in the following hours. While I would prepare for additional friendly reinforcements, having them arrive in significant numbers on Palora too quickly may only provoke the Greater Adjunct to call in more of her forces in turn.”

“In other words, it’s best to stay with what we have...”

“Correct. The current best course of action is to conduct the two assaults and hopefully result in a defeat significant enough that Lea’pre will negotiate an agreement.”

“An agreement!?” Kas’ora hissed. “The Helera’kun will not negotiate! Lea’pre will not talk ... We no talk with Lea’pre or any Itrean that calls themselves ‘Shal’rein.’”

“At this rate, you might not have to worry about it at all, Kas’ora. Your flagship, the Rao’ka’tra Click, has been destroyed. That is the second warship you have designated as your flagship obliterated in less than an hour.”

“ ... Adjunct Beshaliak...,” Kas’ora said with a mild hint of disappointment. The wave of emotions seemed to hit her while she grasped the reality of the situation. It caused her to silence her protest. Thiago ignored her feelings and focused on the overall spectrum.

“The Valle del Bosque del Norte,” Thiago remarked. “I need ideas on how to win this. Tenoch, describe the layout of the northern regions, where the Shal’rein army is traversing through.”

“I will also need to see the topographical data as well,” Shira added.

“It’s been sent,” Tenoch remarked, updating the map. Shira’s digital display of the map appeared in greater detail.

“We’ll be engaging Lea’pre’s northern force in 1 hour 50 minutes,” the Major General continued. “The planned location will be in Sector 5, assuming the Shal’rein northern army doesn’t adjust their current speed and heading.”

“Hmmm...,” Thiago said. “That’s going to take them near the edge of the Chispiante Region, where the northern mountains and great ice trees reside.”

“Correct.”

“Is there any way we could use the trees for cover?”

“Let’s see. The thick barks on the trees can absorb some artillery fire, but I doubt they would last long in direct combat.”

“They wouldn’t help us if the Shal’rein are under their treetops either,” Hazer said. “They could hinder our ability to bombard them.”

“Hmmm...,” Thiago sighed. “Our main issue right now is being able to have our fleets provide better support for the marines. The biggest reason for the success at the Southern Pass was that the fleet had a direct line to bombard the Shal’rein.”

“We still took casualties from that battle.”

“But, it’s our only way. We need naval support.”

“If I use our railguns, then so will they. In the wide open, those Shal’rein vehicles will start picking off our ships from low orbit. If I can use guided munitions, I can safely destroy them from a distance, but that brings in a new problem,” Hazer relayed a set of combat data. “In the last battle, up to 80% of the launched torpedoes and missiles never reached the ground. The Shal’rein tanks were destroying them. Some of their vehicles are even purposely built to carry advanced anti-aircraft guns. With those mobile ground carriers, the projection could reach as high as 90%.”

“It’s the same problem with fighting the Shal’rein in space,” Thiago remarked. “They can effectively destroy most of the missiles fired at them.”

“And what happened at the beginning of the invasion,” Hazer continued. “I can try to do orbital-guided munition strikes, launch everything I have, and hopefully weaken down their army some, but I would be completely depleted of any ammunition I’ll need if Lea’pre’s fleet breaks past the T’rintar blockades. I simply can’t risk depleting our ammunition supply like that.”

“I can’t risk that either,” Thiago added. “We’ve already expended much of our resources just to stop the southern army as it was.” The admiral smacked his fist onto the table.

“Fortunately, for all of you, there might be another solution to your problem,” Shira said.

Thiago lifted his head and looked in Shira’s vicinity. “What is it?” he asked her.

“These ... Paloran ice trees of yours,” the Itrean captain calmly questioned. “How do they survive?”

“What’s the point of that question?” Tenoch remarked.

“Answer her, Tenoch,” the admiral replied.

“ ... CO2 and Water, obviously.”

“According to your databanks,” Shira explained. “These colossal trees are adapted to surviving on Palora’s arctic weather. They are considered to be highly valued by your population. Their immense size is one that defied many of your early scientific ventures, labeling them as the ‘Gigans Glacialis’ genus. However, there are over forty different species of these types of trees on Palora. According to your Northern Forest Valley data, the species that lives there is the ‘Flavus septentrionalis,’ which predominantly lives closer to the equatorial regions of Palora where it’s warmer.”

“Shira,” Thiago addressed her. “I know this planet better than you. You don’t have to lecture me about our trees.”

“Then perhaps you can more easily answer this question, Admiral. Why are these species of trees living there?”

“Let’s see,” Thiago thought about it. “The trees have very large branches, capable of harvesting massive amounts of solar radiation. Their stem networks are even thermal regulated to prevent them from freezing, but ... it also depends on the location and the species. Some species are larger or smaller than the others. I recall in my science classes that the trees have root structures deep enough to tap into the geothermal vents. Depending on the species, I suppose, they can harvest warm water near these vents.”

“The Valle del Bosque del Norte,” Tenoch explained. “Has three active volcanoes in the northern mountain region. The trees are simply tapping into them to help grow and survive. Where are you getting at?”

“My point,” Shira questioned. “Is about this species. The Flavus septentrionalis is the most vulnerable to the cold. They’re known to grow in equatorial regions near mountainous terrain. Your data states that they need both geothermal heat and a large surplus of melted water to live. Many of these trees are nowhere near the mountains and far north of the equator. The simple question can be summarized as this: Why?...”

Thiago began to really think about it. Then he pointed at the map.

“This valley is not far from a major fault line for Palora’s crust,” he explained. “The earthquakes that strike this region can be quite aggressive. That’s why we avoid putting any settlements in this area.” He paused and looked at the map. “The forest is growing near large sets of lakes...”

“Frozen lakes, sir,” Tenoch countered.

“On the surface, it is, but deep underground it isn’t ... I need to look at the underground map layouts of Palora. Pull up all the scan data on Palora’s underground scans of the region.”

“Updating...”

“There. Confirmed. Over 1,000 years ago, this valley consisted of four large lakes. They used to freeze over during the winter times, but due to the environmental changes on Palora, the entire area has frozen all year round. Many of the ice trees originally grew up north but eventually started growing everywhere as the planet grew colder. It was believed that the seeds could actually travel through the air or the underground geothermal vents. This species is suspected of traveling through the vents of the planet’s crust. From the data, these lakes are much warmer than some of the other lakes of the same equatorial regions. These trees are tapping into that.”

“So there’s a large amount of melted water underneath the lakes,” Tenoch remarked. “And?...”

“It means that the Shal’rein will be traveling right over those frozen lakes...”

“Correct,” Shira stated. “It is possible to lure the Shal’rein army over one of these lakes. Anomaly Site B, to be exact. The suspected site of this supposed lake is around 90 kilometers. From there, our armies can meet them near the edge of this location. Lesser Adjunct Wio’kaku, does your N’Jip light assault carriers carry tunnelling drills?”

The Yutilian woman momentarily paused. “Yes,” she replied. “They can place demolition charges...”

“Good, notify your leadership that we will need at least 8 FC-11 torpedoes with high explosive warheads, two in each of the light assault carriers. The sooner, the better.”

Wio’kaku nodded and began tapping her panel. “This will not be easy,” she told her. “They might not agree because those torpedoes are highly valued.”

“If they have the wisdom, they will see the logic of this request. Those torpedoes will likely play a crucial role in saving our northern forces. I am quite sure they will spare them after my proposal...”

Thiago leaned onto the table and firmly looked at Shira. “You’re proposing that we sink the Shal’rein army?”

“In so many words, yes.”

“But the Shal’rein are aquatic.”

Kas’ora’s tail slapped the ground. “We are water bound ... always water bound...”

“That is correct,” Shira continued. “However, you will often find that Shal’rein surface combat to be more complex than expected. Our people have long adapted to fighting above the water as much as they’ve learned to fight below it. For example, the Sholy tanks, the Behe’tons, and even the large Goalarein carriers are designed to move underwater, where they can emerge onto beachheads to assault opposition. Other vehicles are designed to be amphibious and float above the waterline. This is to ensure that any Shal’rein planet can be properly protected during an all-out assault. However, there is one major tactical disadvantage to underwater combat.”

“Yes,” Kas’ora nodded, partially understanding Shira’s comments.

“Typically, most firearms don’t work underwater. Lasers, harpoon guns, depth charges, supercavitating torpedoes, and other weapons are utilized. Many of the surface weapons would be severely diminished when fighting underwater.”

“So, in other words,” Thiago remarked. “If we sink their army, then it would leave them open to attacks from orbit. Most of their anti-aircraft weapons would be useless...”

“Our spacial guided munitions would work underwater,” Hazer remarked.

“As would the T’rintar fleet as well,” Shira explained. “This would not completely hinder the Shal’rein army’s ability to counter the orbital strikes deployed against it, but it would weaken their defenses. The combined strikes from the allied surface units would also be able to engage the amphibious units more easily. There is also another advantage that would greatly help Kas’ora’s forces as well.”

“Yes,” Kas’ora stated in her butchered English. “Lea’pre’s army is underwater ... Helera’kun fight them underwater ... kill them, destroy them beneath the waves.”

“Would that work, though?” Thiago asked, looking at Kas’ora. “Even if there is some warm water, much of that water would be very cold. We also don’t know how well-equipped Lea’pre’s forces are in dealing with underwater combat. Your people could still face some stiff resistance.”

“Not necessarily,” Shira continued. “I doubt Lea’pre or her adjuncts anticipated underwater combat when they landed on Palora. They see the surface as solid ground. Their forces are equally as equipped for such operations. The Shal’rein have long learned to live in multiple environments, both warm and cold. If anything, the Helera’kun would be fighting in the environment they always prefer.”

Kas’ora seemed impressed. She did her quick nods.

“Very well,” Thiago said. “Now the question becomes in how we’re going to crack a hole in that lake.”

“I question that as well,” Tenoch commented. “From the research data, this Anomaly Site B has been hard frozen for thousands of years. The earthquakes have shifted the ice and soil, producing a hard layer of frozen sheets over 50 feet deep, not including all the snow piled over it. Our MMACCs would be able to roll over it and not even put a crack in it.”

“The FC-11s are heavy ballistic torpedoes,” Shira explained. “They can be equipped with a high explosive warhead. A large combination of a high-yield concussive blast and thermite will burn the ice. The additional factor of the Shal’rein army, on top of it, will add further stress to the weakened structure. The light assault carriers can drill into it and reach the melted water layer beneath before deploying the torpedoes. The torpedoes, in turn, can be set to specific locations where the ice sheets are the thinnest.”

“I may also add,” Hazer remarked. “That a concentrated barrage of railgun fire from orbit can further weaken it. But, wouldn’t Lea’pre’s adjuncts suspect what we’re doing?”

“That is unlikely. The N’jip assault carriers are typically used as a forward assault craft, capable of rapid deployment while staying mobile on a battlefield. They can land on the ice sheet, drop off their troops, and hover vehicles in an attempt at a frontal skirmish. The Shal’rein would be expecting this form of attack. However, during the process, the carriers can attempt to lay suppressing fire on the army while they commit to their true mission of drilling beneath the surface. The torpedoes can be deployed through the tunnels and into the melted water beneath them. The hover vehicles also excel in quick maneuvering and quickly escape in long-term firefights. The FC-11s are also cloaked, rendering them invisible against most of their detection sweeps.”

“Hmmm...,” Tenoch interjected. “Why not use those torpedoes against the Shal’rein? If they can’t track them, even a few warheads can be used to decimate their strongest vehicles.”

“The FC-11s are expensive to produce and manufactured in limited quantities. Instead of destroying a few vehicles, why not use them to decimate an entire army?”

“Makes sense.”

“I may further add,” Shira continued. “That Lea’pre knows very little about Palora. This was made evident in the recent battle. She has not had a chance to conduct invasive sweeps on the planet. She would likely not know about the possibility of lakes in this region.”

“I not know,” Kas’ora added.

“We barely knew,” Thiago said. “It’s a plan that I like. Lesser Adjunct Wio’kaku. Has there been any word from the fleet?”

“My Greater Adjunct agrees. The assault carriers will be recalled and armed.”

“Good.”

“I will prepare the marines for the assault,” Tenoch replied.

“Make sure not to tell anyone about the plan,” Thiago added. “We don’t know if Lea’pre has her spies among the T’rintar forces. We can’t risk them knowing about this.”

“I will make the appropriate adjustments to the upcoming northern assault.”

“Good,” the admiral practically slapped his hand on the table. “We have a plan. I know that...”

A beeping sound could be heard from the table. Thiago paused and tapped a button.

“We’re in an important conference, Ensign Carmen,” the man spoke to her. “I already stated to keep interruptions to a minimum.”

“Admiral,” a female voice echoed from the comms. “We’re receiving a wide communication broadcast from the Shal’rein Eastern army. The Shal’rein fleet is transmitting the signal on all channels audio-only. It’s directed to Palora.”

There was a brief pause as Shira’s brow peaked some. She remained quiet as the high-ranking officer looked back at the panel.

“Let’s hear it,” Thiago replied.

“Aye, sir, patching it in,” she replied.

Another pause could be heard. Low static registered throughout the entire room. It slowly began to clear up more and more until the communication signal was clear. It was one-way only or a possible recording. Regardless, everyone remained curious as to what it was that the Shal’rein were ready to say. Shira could see that Thiago was hoping that this was a call for peace. Perhaps they were ready to negotiate.

“We’re receiving the broadcast as well,” Hazer added.

“Attention, humans...,” a deep female voice echoed from the comms. It was very coarse as if she were a heavy smoker. It was also somewhat slow and harsh in tone, and the French, Spanish, and Japanese accents intermixed in her speech, along with a partial degradation in her fluency. It was evident that this was a Shal’rein speaking to them and done where she carefully articulated her words so they were not misunderstood.

“ ... I am Greater Adjunct Lea’pre,” the voice continued. “You are carrying traitors ... those who claim to be Shal’rein ... they attacked us ... betray us. They flee to your world ... human world. The T’rintar and UWA protect them...”

“Open a channel with her!” Thiago ordered.

“No luck, sir,” Carmen replied. “It’s a recording.”

“We have found the Helera’kun,” Lea’pre explained. “You give them ... refuge ... homes in the cold world. We want them returned to us ... returned and face judgment from the Council.”

“We never surrender!” Kas’ora snapped. Her tail slapped the ground in anger. Thiago held his hand up to her to silence her.

“We control half of Palora,” the Greater Adjunct’s speech continued. “Soon, all of Palora will be ours ... give us the traitors ... return them to us, and we will spare the humans. You have two hours to comply ... return them, or we will begin executing every prisoner we have...”

“That’s the end of the broadcast,” Carmen stated.

“Understood,” Thiago replied.

There was a brief pause as Kas’ora remained angered and tense. Her hands flexed into fists. Everyone seemed to acknowledge the threat given to them.

“Interesting...,” Shira said to herself.

“Well,” Thiago broke the long silence. “That finally answers the question if Lea’pre spared the civilian prisoners she’s captured.”

“For now,” Tenoch remarked. “Lea’pre is claiming that she’s going to start executing them in two hours if Kas’ora and the Helera’kun refugees don’t surrender to her. She could be lying. She might have already done it.”

“That is unlikely,” Shira explained. “Lea’pre does not lie. She will most likely carry out her threat in two hours.”

“You genuinely believe that?” Thiago asked her.

“Yes. She will be true to her word. You have two hours before she will begin her executions. She will provide proof of her deeds as well.”

“And she expects us to just listen to her?”

“What would you do, Admiral?”

“Hmph...,” Tenoch’s voice echoed. “We should give her what she wants.”

“Hsssss,” Kas’ora sneered.

“Major General!” Thiago snapped at him.

“Why are you bleeding out over these refugees, sir? I’m looking out for the Paloran people. That’s our top priority. They have our people! Those Kuns showed up here and brought their mess onto us. Stop turning me into el antagonista when you know this is true. The Helera’kun invaded us! We’ve been on the defense ever since.”